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    • Design

    Nature and its true forms— Prakruthi Rao’s design studio in Bengaluru becomes one with nature

    MAR 10, 2023 | By Tamanna Doctor
    The library houses a custom designed sofa in collaboration with Wood and Wicker, hot-rolled mild steel sheet in a frame by Srikanth Dasappa and haryali planter from Tula; Photography by studio suryan//dang
    Niches originally built into thick brick masonry walls have been converted into a library unit; Photography by studio suryan//dang
    Desired natural light conducive of a healthy working atmosphere is experienced in this cabin which opens up to a semi-open landscaped court; Photography by studio suryan//dang
    The landscaped courtyard also poses as a secondary entrance to the building; Photography by studio suryan//dang

    Nature seldom asks for attention. Prakruthi Rao’s 2,200 sq ft design studio in Bengaluru—PRAKRUTHI (meaning the natural germinal state, eternal and beyond perception) is housed in the family office—Padma 79 and has a strong attachment to nature.

    A 1950’s residential building was adapted and repurposed into the mentioned family office, the studio’s first project. It was previously occupied by numerous commercial establishments, last of which was a fashion school. The existing built form was modified and utilised to produce elegant, well-made interiors—soulful and refined to become a workspace for the family.

    Prakruthi Rao’s
    With a mid-century coffee table from Balaji Antiques and Collectibles, the reception possess a custom designed sofa in collaboration with Wood and Wicker and the Holland chair from West Elm; Photography by studio suryan//dang

     

    An all white facade pierced with louvres and perforations allows for a subtle glimpse into the space; Photography by studio suryan//dang

    The goal of the design intervention was to reveal the space’s original form by removing all of the ornamentation that had been introduced throughout the years. On a macro scale, it was found that there was room to build adjoining spaces with cross-ventilation and borrowed natural light. On a micro level, inset niches constructed into solid brick walls were found and are currently being used as a library. The design solution was solely based on what was already present and how to make use of it.

    Prakruthi Rao’s
    The working cabin,originally supposed to be the car park, opens up to a courtyard. The cabin houses a banana fibre floor lamp by Oorjaa, Chandigarh twist chair by EVOKE London and bespoke table with a limestone top from Marble Italia; Photography by studio suryan//dang

     

    Prakruthi Rao’s
    With chairs from Phantom Hands upholstered in zanav fabric, the cabin houses a bespoke table with a limestone top from Marble Italia and a pendant light from Tisva; Photography by studio suryan//dang

     

    The reception houses custom designed sofa in collaboration with Wood and Wicker, one can catch glimpses of the chair from EVOKE London; Photography by studio suryan//dang

    Entering the waiting area, one experiences glimpses of the central court. Serving as a landing space for all, the central court is connected to all the cabins, workstations and service areas and functions as a library for visitors and staff.

    Serene white shades are complemented by warm wooden accents in this conference room; Photography by studio suryan//dang

    Replacing the original doors, the spaces have been connected through portals and hence plenty of natural light and air flows through. A neutral yet light palette is maintained throughout the studio with warm white walls and dark wood flooring that calms your senses. 

    The space displays Chandigarh twist chair by EVOKE London; Photography by studio suryan//dang

     

    Prakruthi Rao’s
    Merbau wood niches built in masonry walls along with recycled merbau wood flooring create a warm palette. Filtered north light finds its way through ribbed glass partition into the room.

    “Beautiful branches, rocks, tropical plants are found both inside and outside. The sound of water from the urn pond in the courtyard and neroli fragrance in the interior inspires a soothing and sensory experience conducive of a healthy working atmosphere,” concludes Prakruthi.